General Information
Procyclidine Hydrochloride is indicated to treat and relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as:
- Problems writing, talking and walking
- Stiff muscles, paralysis, and tremor
- Sweating and uncontrolled eye movements
- Producing too much saliva and dribbling
- Depression
This medication helps decrease sweating, muscle stiffness, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson’s disease.
How does Procyclidine Hydrochloride work?
Procyclidine Hydrochloride works by blocking the receptors that acetylcholine acts on. This lessens the activity of the acetylcholine and helps restore the balance of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain.
In this way, Procyclidine Hydrochloride helps control some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is most effective at decreasing the tremor and rigidity associated with the disease. But it has little effect on the slow movements called bradykinesia.
Why use Procyclidine Hydrochloride?
Procyclidine Hydrochloride is a type of medicine called an anticholinergic. This is sometimes called antimuscarinics. Anticholinergic medicines prevent the activity of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This can also stop severe muscle spasms of the neck, back, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs.
Procyclidine Hydrochloride is available in tablet form with its brand name Kemadrin. Each scored tablet has 5 mg of Procyclidine Hydrochloride for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medicine.
How to use Procyclidine Hydrochloride?
The recommended starting dose of this medication is half a tablet three times a day. The dose may be increased by half or one tablet each day. It is to be taken by two or three days until an effect is seen.
This is known as the maintenance dose. The daily maintenance dose is usually 3-6 tablets. Although the dose is usually taken 3 times a day, your doctor may ask you to take the fourth dose before bedtime. Don’t forget to take each dose at the same time every day.
What are the side effects of Procyclidine Hydrochloride?
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Light-headedness
- Flushing
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Abdominal pain
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
These effects usually lessen as your body gets used to this medication.
Warnings and Precautions
- You should not stop or change the dose of this prescription without your doctor’s approval.
- Talk to your doctor if this drug stops working well. When used for an extended, this may not work as well and may require different dosing.
- Do not take Procyclidine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to it.
- If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before taking this medicine.
